Tennessee College Selects Designers for $72M Renovation Project

Tennessee College of Applied Tech Memphis (TCAT Memphis) in Memphis, Tenn., recently announced that it has approved documents from DLR Group and 4FDesign for an upcoming multi-phased renovation project, a news release reports. DLR Group previously completed the college’s 2020 TCAT Statewide Master Plan Update. The project will cost an estimated $72 million, an allocation from state governor Bill Lee’s “Tennessee: Leading the Nation Agenda” initiative providing a $1-billion investment in technology colleges.

The campus replacement project will take place across multiple phases, according to the news release. An existing 115,000-square-foot building will be replaced with a new construction of 85,000 square feet. The project also involves building a new 35,000-square-foot one-story high-bay lab and classroom structure and the renovation of two existing buildings, as well as improvements to site development, parking areas, drives, and infrastructure.

“Embarking on this multi-phased renovation project for TCAT Memphis is an opportunity to lead the community in health and science pathways and increase visibility around TBR’s [the Tennessee Board of Regents’] initiatives,” said Benjamin R. Strain, AIA, LEED AP, Principal and Higher Education Design Leader at DLR Group. “The first phase of the campus replacement project will shine a beacon on TCAT Memphis.”

DLR Group will serve as the Design Architect and 4FDesign the Architect of Record. The project is currently in the Construction Documentation (CD) process.

“With 40 years of experience working on TBR and State of TN projects, 4FDesign brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record to every project,” said Curt Pierce, AIA NCARB, LAI, ULI, 4FDesign Vice President and Principal. “TCAT Memphis is a moment for 4FDesign to ensure the college and Tennessee state keeps pace with career-fueled economies by revitalizing its Career Technical Education (CTE) program with new construction.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • UNT Dallas Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for $100M STEM Building

    The University of North Texas at Dallas in Dallas, Texas, recently celebrated the opening of its new, $100-million STEM Building, according to local news. The ceremony on Dec. 2 preceded the first day of classes in the facility on Jan. 12, 2026.

  • How a Portable Sink Helped an Art Classroom Run More Smoothly

    Classroom design decisions can have outsized effects on instructional time and safety at schools juggling mismatched infrastructure, strict budgets, and crowded schedules — particularly in the arts. Between spilled paint and dirty brushes, art classes run smoother with a sink in the studio. But many schools don’t have a sink in every art classroom.

  • Moline-Coal Valley School District to Consolidate Two Schools into New Facility

    The Moline-Coal Valley School District in Moline, Ill., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff from two existing schools, according to local news. Robert Ontiveros Elementary School will serve as the new home for Lincoln-Irving Elementary School and Willard Elementary School.

  • Minnesota Middle School Finishes $23.5M Addition and Modernization

    Highland Park Middle School in St. Paul, Minn., recently announced the completion of a $23.5-million addition and remodel project, according to a news release. Saint Paul Public Schools partnered with ATS&R Planners, Architects & Engineers for its design and Kraus-Anderson for its construction.